West Bengal's transport department now requires all private bus conductors to get licences. This aims to increase accountability, as conductors are key for passenger support and safety, but currently lack official tracking unlike drivers
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In a significant move to regulate private bus and minibus services across the Kolkata metropolitan area and the whole of West Bengal, the transport department has mandated that bus conductors obtain licences within a specified timeframe, reported news agency PTI.
A senior transport department official informed PTI that Principal Secretary (Transport), Saumitra Mohan, issued a notification two days ago. The objective is to bring greater accountability to the role of conductors, who serve as a vital link between passengers and transport authorities.
"Conductors play a significant role in extending all kinds of support to commuters and are often the first person passengers turn to during emergencies, including incidents involving crimes against women," the official stated. He added, "While drivers have licences issued by the motor vehicles department, it is difficult to keep track of conductors, who are mostly recruited individually by bus owners or unions, and the department has no idea about their identity, antecedents, or required experience in the business."
According to the official, only individuals who meet the minimum criteria will be eligible to apply for a conductor's licence. "Those applying must have studied up to Class 4, be at least 18 years old, and must submit the necessary supporting documents," he specified.
The notification also clarified that drivers who simultaneously perform the role of conductor in the same stage carriage will be exempt from obtaining a separate conductor's licence, reported PTI.
"The applicant shall be required to submit a self-declaration regarding their educational qualifications in the prescribed format at the time of applying for a conductor's licence. They must also undertake to submit the required supporting documents within six months of the licence being issued," the notice stated.
It further added, "Non-submission of the requisite supporting documents within the stipulated time period may result in revocation of the said conductor's licence, subject to an opportunity of hearing being afforded to the licensee." Additionally, "a self-declaration with regards to their place of business in the prescribed format will be sufficient for applying for the conductor's licence," it concluded.
The need for a formal regulatory mechanism has been underscored by numerous reports of misconduct involving conductors, including misbehaviour with passengers, altercations with traffic police, and, in some instances, physical assaults, reported PTI.
Currently, approximately 32,000 buses—most of which are privately owned stage carriages—operate in West Bengal. Apart from conductors employed by state-run transport corporations, including contractual workers, there is currently no official database of private bus conductors, noted Tapan Banerjee, General Secretary of the Joint Council of Bus Syndicate.
(With inputs from PTI)
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